With a month left of volleyball season, the varsity girls of Birmingham Community Charter High School are doing their best during practice for upcoming games.

 After being on varsity for three years, Erica Mallari feels prepared for the season. She has goals set for herself as well as for her team.

  “We always need more practice,” Mallari said. “There’s always room for improvement.”

  For warm up, the girls gather into a circle and practice bumping and setting the ball. For conditioning, Coach LeAnne Bennet-Riley has them exercise with INSANITY Workout, an extreme home workout DVD.

“(If they) focus in practice, it’s gonna help them get better,” Riley said. “100 % (effort) in practice transfers onto the court.”

       Their next game is on Thursday Oct. 8 at Chatsworth Charter High School. All three levels (Frosh/Soph, JV, and Varsity) will play their own game.

    “(It’s my) last two years and I want to make the most out of it and be the best player I can be,” Mallari said.

  Senior Michal Francisco feels sad that her career of varsity captain is coming to an end.

    “I don’t know what I want to do after high school yet, but I know no matter what, volleyball will definitely be a big part of my life,” Francisco said.